Upgrading your vehicle’s security and surveillance capabilities is easily achieved with a 2 channel dash cam. For those looking for a clean install and advanced features like parking mode, integrating a 2 channel dash cam with OBD2 connectivity offers a superior solution. This guide details a DIY installation of a Viofo A229 Plus front and rear dash cam, powered by an OBD2 harness, focusing on achieving a factory-like finish and optimal functionality.
For the rear camera setup, the goal was a discreet, factory-integrated appearance. A custom mount was designed and 3D printed to seamlessly attach to the existing rear-view camera housing. This method allowed for a friction-fit for the Viofo rear camera, avoiding any adhesives or permanent modifications to the vehicle. Alternatively, adhesive mounts provided with the dash cam can be used for simpler installation.
Routing the rear camera wire to the liftgate proved to be the most challenging aspect, but crucial for a clean, professional look. This careful routing ensures no wires are visible or vulnerable to snagging, maintaining a tidy cargo area.
Once the wire was successfully routed out of the liftgate, running it along the headliner to the front of the vehicle was straightforward. The process involved carefully removing the grab handle and A-pillar trim to conceal the wire behind the airbag. This ensures safety and maintains the vehicle’s interior aesthetics. The wire was then directed up to the windshield headliner and down to the main front camera unit, positioned discreetly to the right of the rear-view mirror mount and out of the driver’s line of sight.
Powering the 2 channel dash cam and enabling its parking mode feature was achieved using an OBD2 harness. This OBD2 harness provides continuous power for parking mode functionality while also protecting the vehicle’s battery. The harness features a rocker switch for easily toggling between always-on parking mode and regular dash cam operation (power only when the ignition is on). Parking mode is active only if the switch is enabled and the car’s battery voltage is above a set threshold, preventing battery drain. The OBD2 port’s location under the dash, to the left of the steering wheel, makes the switch easily accessible.
Wiring along the side of the dash and up to the A-pillar trim is simplified with the OBD2 harness. Again, removing the grab handle and trim allows for concealing the wiring behind the airbag, leading up to the headliner and finally to the dash cam unit. The result is a clean installation with no exposed wires, no占用 of USB ports or 12V outlets, and a plug-and-play setup that is easily reversible without any vehicle modifications. The switch-operated parking mode provides convenient control over the feature, ideal for situations where parking mode is not always desired, such as when parked in a secure garage.
In conclusion, utilizing a 2 channel dash cam with an OBD2 harness offers a superior solution for vehicle surveillance, combining advanced features like parking mode with a clean and easily manageable installation. This method ensures a professional, factory-like integration while providing enhanced security and peace of mind.
